The plan was to do my long run early to avoid the heat – it was forecast to hit 41*c. However it was already 23*c at 6am so that blew that theory out of the water! To get in 26km I decided to first run to the Albert Park track which goes around the lake. This is a couple of km from home, up through South Melbourne shopping precinct. There weren’t a lot of people out and about at that time at the Albert Park track so it was a very pleasant though solitary run. Albert Park track is also the venue of parkrun – a free weekly community 5km timed run. I’m still debating whether to do the run tomorrow morning.
Then once that segment of my long run was done I headed to the tan where I did three laps. I really appreciated the shade from the enormous oaks lining the track, although there were some exposed parts of the track and there the sun was unbearably hot. However I was not alone – there were lots of walkers and runners doing laps, in either direction. Three times up the hill with frequent stops at water bubblers as the kilometres ticked over. It was also getting hot.
Finally I ran a short distance along the walkway that follows the river. I stuck to the top path as this was mostly shaded and there were water bubblers. However I was running into a hot headwind which was not pleasant at all. Then it was back along the promenade fronting Southgate and the Crown Casino complex and finally I was back at the apartment block – hot and bothered but feeling pretty pleased with myself. That was the longest I had run in a couple of years, thanks to injury, and on such a hot morning too. It was about 32*c when I had finished, which is ridiculous given it was only 8.45am.
Later in the morning we headed off to IKEA in Richmond. I must confess I have never been to an IKEA store so what better way to spend a few hours on a very hot day, in air conditioned comfort! So what do I think of the IKEA experience? Well it is a massive store and it was fascinating watching people take photos and jot down all-important numbers so they could then go down and collect their flat packs. However I really wasn’t in the mood to shop and besides there is only so much I can fit in my suitcase so I wasn’t tempted by anything.
We also had a wander around the shopping centre as well, anything to prolong the inevitable – going back out in the heat, on a tram and back home. I think the hot weather has also brought out the fruit loops – there were some very strange people on our tram. 
“Another fresh new year is here… Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, to love and laugh and give!” – William Arthur Ward
Then to put those Ikea purchases together without parts left over.